Full Circle Doves

White Doves Released in Northwest Arkansas

Q. Where can I buy doves to release at my wedding?
A. Doves should never be sold for a 'one time' release. Likewise, you should not release pet shop doves or caged birds.  Our birds are humanely trained for months to ensure homing ability, stamina and  long distance flying skills. All of our birds return safely home to their secure loft (a building of their own).  Pet shop or caged birds will die shortly after release due to stress or starvation. Many cannot even fly more than a few feet because their wings are weak from disuse. Our birds are athletes! They fly for the joy of it, and spend all day swooping around our farm with glee!

Q. Can I rent your doves to release on my own?
A. Sorry, no. We must ensure our doves are handled properly for their safety and yours. We will set up and assist in all releases. If you wish to release doves by hand, we will provide white gloves and will show you the proper way to hold and release them to prevent injury, or even 'ruffled feathers' which may impair their ability to fly easily. 

Q. Do they smell?
A. The smell associated with poultry is actually the smell of the droppings . Our doves are 'fasted' before events and have potpourri in their cages and baskets so that is not a problem. Also, flying birds usually don't produce droppings. That only occurs when 'at rest'.

Q. Can I visit your loft?
A. We would welcome your visit! However, we cannot allow visitors inside our loft. You will have to observe it from the outside. There are always some doves on their nests, and they become insecure if strangers enter their home. We also maintain a bio-secure environment for our doves. We don't enter the loft ourselves without masks, gloves, slippers and lab-coats.  We do this to ensure our birds maintain their perfect health.

Q. Do you release butterflies too?
A. No. There is a controversy that Butterfly releases may encourage poaching wild butterflies and risk local ecosystems by the introduction of non-native species and parasites and that released butterflies die soon after the release, if not before.  However, the International Butterfly Association disputes those claims. You can visit their website to help decide for yourself. They also have a registry of certified breeders.